Naugatuck Methodist Church
Naugatuck, ConnecticutRev. William M. Nesbit, Ph.D., Minister
15 Frederick Street
Phone 4236Dear little Girl:- Papa is writing the 200 word - article on Silverbrook coal - It is one of the best articles I think that Papa has ever written. It is now a little too long and Papa is compressing it. I am taking the opportunity to scribble a few lines. Have been very busy all day cleaning etc. Papa helped me by using the vacuum. It has rained here all day. To-morrow we have to go to Hartford in the afternoon - for the meeting of the Woman's Society for Christian Service. It is to be held at the new church that Mr. Davis of Watertown now has. His daughter Mary is at Wheaton College. The other day - a group of the Fresh men - went to a theatre in Boston - on coming out of the theatre - they had some way to go to get their Bus - Mary and her roommate lost their way - and missed their bus. The next day, in Assembly, their names were read out before the the whole college body - and their "privileges" were taken away - for a certain period. Mrs. Davis told the folks in Watertown - that the subjects like Physics - which she (Mary) got A. in - in Watertown - she is getting C - and C minus in. Mrs. Davis is very homesick in Hartford. She is 1 1/2 miles from the Church. I imagine that it is so far that nobody ever "drops in". Mrs. Wilcock - isn't crazy about Watertown - for in the fixing up of the parsonage - papering etc. she has been so busy, upset etc. that she has developed high blood pressure - and has to go to Dr. Reade.
Somehow, the switch hasn't been very successful - on either side. I suppose conditions will readjust themselves. Mr. and Mrs. Wilcock have one son Leland - who is about 13 yrs. old. Brownie is sitting on my lap - which makes writing rather difficult. I told you that Janice Barrett had gone to Middletown. Well, this evening we rec'd a telephone call from Dr. Lewis saying that Janice has died this morning and asking Papa to assist at the funeral on Thursday. We have not heard any of the particulars. She was 24. I am wondering whether they gave her the insulin treatment and she did not rally from it. I should have thought that under the circumstances - they would have had a rather quiet funeral - and not two ministers.
Papa has the essay finished - and he has gone upstairs to type-write it.
I am glad that you are not working in a munitions plant. Five fires in five different plants in one day certainly "smells" of sabotage. We have been too lax in our vigilance[.] One of the commentators said that Hitler had boasted that he would take Armistice Day reprisals - and I guess he was true to his word. 15 young girls killed in one plant alone.
I did not know that when I had a baby-girl - she would have to live through almost exactly the same things that Pop and I lived through in the World War. I think the deviltry - has been and is being - worked out more perfectly at this present time. Spies every where. There is much talk about "Mr. Morgan". He is either a knave or a fool. He is either a fifth columnist or an unwitting tool of theirs. But I can tell you more about that when I see you.
I will close now and go to bed. Please excuse condition of envelope. Brownie walked over it. I tried to rub out the foot mark - but to no avail.
On Friday, would you be able to cut any of your classes - in order to catch
an early train?a train? Apparently the best train is the one which leaves Holyoke at 3.40 which gets to Meriden at 5.18 and connects at Hartford with a train that gets to Waterbury at 6.25. The next train is 5.06 from Holyoke getting to Meriden at 6.37 - This train does not connect with Waterbury at all - except by bus.If you can take the 3.40 from Holyoke if the weather is not icy, we can meet you at Meriden. In case the weather is icy, it would be better for you to come to Waterbury - and we would meet you there. When you receive this letter, will you write right away and let us know if you can make the cut?
Love from us all
Mamma.Nov. 12, 1940.